I've only got experience of sidesticks in very low weight aircraft (Moni, Shadow) and central sticks in side by side 2 seaters - so effectively sidesticks for both occupants (AX3 and Chevvron) but i've always found them much easier to use than a central stick or yoke.
The Moni in particular, even though it had a 'V' tail was very pleasant to fly; you just had to think what you wanted the aircraft to do and with virtually no control input, it did it.
A Friend of mine part owned a Cirrus SR22 and he had no problems flying from the UK to Menorca at about 170 kt ias in 3.5 hours using the sidestick.